More Australians Riding Motorcycles, According to ABS Statistics

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We have definitely seen a rise in motorcycle loans commensurate with the numbers in the census. As studies show, we are seeing a rise in older motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are economical, and are a lot more fun for many people.

Australia (PRWEB)September 19, 2012

In a document released in August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirmed what many people have already figured out: more Australians are riding motorcycles. In 2007, there were 511,966 registered motorcycles. In 2011, there were 678,790. According to the 2012 motor vehicle census, there are 709,288 registered motorcycles in Australia.

Between 2007 and 2012, passenger vehicles have increased from 11.5 million to 12.7 million, for a total growth of 10.9%. During that period, the percentage of growth for motorcycles was 38.5%, for the largest increase in any type of motor vehicle.

Motorcycle riders have cited many benefits to commuting to work by motorcycle. The most obvious benefit is that motorcycles are more economical. They cost less, and they use a lot less fuel. With fuel costs at or near a worldwide peak, it makes good sense to ride a motorcycle to work.

Another benefit to using less fuel is less impact on the environment. Motorcycles emit less carbon than cars and trucks. Repair costs are also a lot less expensive for motorcycles, because they are much simpler than cars and trucks. It’s also easier in most cases to find parking for a motorcycle than it is for a car, and less expensive.

A document by the City of Sydney called, “Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy and Action Plan 2008-2011” cited many of the same benefits. According to the document, “Motorcycles and scooters offer enjoyable, convenient, and low-cost accessibility in the city.”

In addition, the document cited the lowering of greenhouse emissions. For example, a Yamaha YBR 125 emits 2.6 litres/100km, while a Toyota Camry emits 8.9 litres/100km. The document also showed the potential of electric bikes and scooters to reduce emissions even more.

Other benefits cited in the document: motorcyclists are less-affected by congestion, because they are allowed to use bus lanes. It also stated that five motorcycles can be parked in the same amount of space as one car. The last benefit it mentioned is that an entry-level motorcycle can cost as little as $2,500.

Sims continued, “We see people buying motorcycles to commute to work, but we also see a lot of people buying them just for recreational purposes, as a second vehicle. A lot of people see a motorcycle ride as a nice day trip, and many take them on vacation.”

According to Sims, it’s easier to get a motorcycle loan than many think: “We are able to finance a lot of people for bike loans. They have a relatively small cost, and many young people use a motorcycle as their vehicle of choice, because they get a much better product at entry level for a motorcycle than spending the same amount of money on a used car.”

Sims concluded, “I would advise anyone who is interested to check us out and see what we can do for them. They might come away pleasantly surprised.”

Revolution Bike Finance is an Australia-wide financing broking firm specialising in fast and affordable loans for new and used bikes, scooter and many more. They can be reached at 1300 882 851 or at their website: http://www.revolutionbikefinance.com.au/